In "Otter" News

Good Evening Otter Families!

It was quite a busy week for our Otters and Otter Squad! The PTA Fall Festival was a success and lots of fun was had by all who attended. We celebrated Red Ribbon Week and enjoyed having the MAEF Mobile Science Lab onsite, too! We also got to eat some yummy local beef and vegetables! Our Otters received nothing but compliments from all of our special guests. They were able to see what a special place our little school really is! See below for some fun pictures!

PLEASE DON"T FORGET TO COMPLETE YOUR IMPACT AID FORM!! Our schools are heavily impacted by federally-connected students – those parents/guardians who work on federal property in Maryland, live on federal property in Maryland, and/or are active duty military personnel. Because of this impact, we receive federal grant funds to operate and maintain our schools and enrich school programs. To receive these funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) requires us to survey each student to determine eligibility.

SMCPS is encouraging all parents/guardians to please take the time to access and complete the Impact Aid Survey Form online, located in the Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. The form can now be accessed in Spanish by clicking on the Globe in the top right-hand corner once the form has been started. The deadline for the online submission of Impact Aid Program Survey forms is November 14, 2022.

Otterly Yours,

Mrs. Anderson (My email remains the same for now, lpdietz@smcps.org)

The office will be open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Be on the lookout for Square One Art information to come home with your child. Custom Catalogs should be received by the school on November 10th. They will be sent home on Monday, November 14th.

Thanksgiving Performance (Kindergarten and First Grade)

• November 14th at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm

A Week

Monday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• School Spirit Day - WEAR ORANGE
• Nurse Pratz will do a "Halloween Safety" talk with students at lunchtimes

Tuesday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• 4th Grade Environmental Field Trip
• 5th Grade STEM FOR ALL Activity
• PTA Honey Baked Ham Sales Begin

Wednesday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• PTA Honey Baked Ham Sales

Thursday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• Flu Clinic for those already registered - Please contact Nurse Pratz for more information
• PTA Honey Baked Ham Sales
• PTA MOD Pizza Spirit Night

Friday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm

• 4th Grade Veteran's Day Performance - 10:00 am and 2:30 pm
• PTA Honey Baked Ham Sales

Entries are due by 11/28/22. Click the document below for more information!

Click below for the SMCPS Calendar for the 2022-2023 school year.

Dear Otter Families,

Flu season is here already! Here are signs and symptoms to look for:

• Fever (>100)
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Fatigue or Tiredness
• Chills
• Body Aches
• Stuffy or Runny Nose
• Headache

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, keep your child home and see the doctor. Please send an absence note through our home page. Please be sure to communicate with me about the symptoms your child is displaying.

When should I keep my child home from school?

• Fever >100.0, vomiting, diarrhea, or pink and crusty eyes
• Symptoms of COVID-19 like illness OR symptoms or an illness that do not resolve after home interventions
• Your child has been directed to quarantine by the local health department

Theme

"Community"

Simple Ways to Contribute

• Amazon Smile - https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7077075
• Harris Teeter VIC Card - As of August 1st, your VIC card can be linked to Oakville Elementary School
• Spirit Nights at local businesses - More information will be shared as they are scheduled.
• Bring or send in Coke product bottle caps and Box Tops
• Help out our Otter Community by starting the year with coffee/ tea (and other k-cups) for staff as well as any extra school supplies for a student in need by dropping off the items on August 22nd at Open House
  

Be on the lookout for opportunities to sign up to join the PTA at Open House and our first Spirit Night of the year at Sweet Frog!

We are looking forward to a great school year!

President: Stefanie Wines, oakville.pta@gmail.com

Treasurer: Beth Johnson Hill

Secretary: Kim Burroughs

Volunteer Coordinator: Megan Russell

One community committed to the learning and safety of all children.

Community is important to us. We strive to have the words "goal-oriented", "fun", "inclusive", and "thriving" used to describe our community. We believe that children learn and adults work best in an environment where they feel respected and safe. We are focused on four areas in our development of community: 1) Cultivating respectful, supportive relationships among students, teachers, and parents, 2) Emphasizing common purposes and ideals, 3) Providing opportunities for service and cooperation, and 4) Providing opportunities for independence and influence.

Email: lpdietz@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/oes/
Location: 26410 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 373-4365
Facebook: facebook.com/smcps.org
Twitter: @OES_smcps